Robert Mcilwain

Dr. Robert "Grant" McIlwain, 87, of Cookeville, passed away Friday, October 9, 2015, at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky.


Grant was born and grew up near Tibbie, Alabama, served in the Air Force, received his veterinary degree at Auburn University and started a family before moving to Tennessee to begin life as a veterinarian. After settling in Cookeville in 1965, he spent the next 45 years at Cookeville Veterinary Clinic on East Spring Street.


His love of animals, big and small, was very noticeable. He was always singing and whistling and had a great voice. He also enjoyed dancing, music, playing guitar and socializing.


Grant attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and Wilhite Baptist Church during his years in Cookeville. In November 2010, he came to Lexington, Kentucky, to live with his two sons before moving into Sayre Assisted Living.


His family includes Theresann Oslo Norway, Michael (Rhonda and son Michael) of Winchester VA, Kevin of Los Gatos CA, Mary (John Kenney and daughter Elizabeth) of New York City NY, Joseph of Boston MA, Elizabeth (Ernie Long and daughter Saydeann) of Charlotte NC, Catherine of Clearwater FL, Daniel (Robin) of Lexington KY, and William of Lexington KY. He also had many relatives and friends in Alabama, Cookeville, and at Sayre in Lexington.


Funeral services will be held at Lathan Funeral home in Chatom, Alabama. Thoughts and memories can be left on their website at www.LathanFuneralHomesChatom.com. Donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at donate.lbda.org.